What started as a local getaway – 15 miles east of Asheville (just 25 minutes by car) – has turned into one of our most beloved foodie rituals. Over the years, Tom and I have celebrated birthdays over schnitzel at a kitschy German gem, “cheered” over guava mimosas and pork bowls at a family-run Cuban café, and devoured whole fish on a small farm. Black Mountain doesn’t have quite the national food recognition that Asheville does, but that’s part of the charm.
The Black Mountain restaurant scene is small, intimate, and genuinely unlike anywhere else in Western North Carolina. These are the best restaurants in Black Mountain that Tom and I keep coming back to, including Bush Farmhouse, Cousin’s Cuban Café, and The Pure and Proper.
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📸 All photos are our own across years of living here. Find more area things to do, as well as where to get drinks, in our full Black Mountain guide. 💙 Christine
Quick Glance At Where To Eat In Black Mountain By Mealtime
- Breakfast, Brunch, Pastries, & Coffee: Cousin’s Cuban Cafe, Dripolator, Dynamite Roasting Coffee Bar, Dough House
- Lunch: Foothills Grange, Bush Farmhouse, Trailhead Restaurant & Bar
- Dinner: The Pure and Proper, Berliner Kindl, Thai Basil
- Dessert: The Hop, Kilwin’s, Hey Hey Cupcake
- *Bonus* Drinks: Oak & Grist, Peri Social House, Lookout Brewing, The Station
Best Restaurants in Black Mountain We Most Frequently Visit
There is no shortage of places to eat in Black Mountain, and after all these years, Tom and I still have bucket list restaurants like The Cheshire Arms (British pub) and La Guinguette (French & Latin cuisine). These are our top picks – and trust me, it was hard to narrow down.
Cousins Cuban Cafe – Authentic Cuban Cuisine
Where can you get the best Cuban food in Western North Carolina? Cousins Cuban Cafe! Miami natives, the family behind this counter-service cafe brings traditional (and absolutely delicious) family recipes to the area.
Tom and I love going on a late Sunday morning for guava mimosas, a Cuban sandwich, and a mojo pork bowl filled with fried plantains and beans. I always crave their yucca fries with vegan aioli.
Cousins Cuban Cafe also serves tapas, salads, and sandwiches for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Enjoy classic Cuban pastries with coffee. They are typically closed on Wednesdays.
Cousins Cuban Cafe | 108 Broadway Ave, Black Mountain, NC 28711
The Bush Farmhouse – South African Cuisine In A Farmyard Setting
The Bush Farmhouse is one of the most unforgettable restaurants in Black Mountain, with its unique South African cuisine and wine selection. Plus, meet their farm animals. If we could give them a Michelin star, we would. Not to mention, they made a strong comeback after completely flooding during Helene.
We take all our out-of-town visitors here. I live for the oxtail soup, and the whole fish is a go-to dish for Tom. You won’t soon forget their burger, either. Plus, enjoy a diverse range of breakfast and lunch options (starting at 11 AM), including lox, breakfast bowls, and French and avocado toast. Devour small bites like wings, sausage rolls, and grilled octopus. Bush Farmhouse’s lunch and dinner entrees include sandwiches, curries, and the seafood catch of the day.
Sit inside or out, and make reservations during peak hours. Bush Farmhouse is open 7 days a week.
The Bush Farmhouse | 151 S Ridgeway Ave, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Berliner Kindl German Restaurant & Deli – Authentic German Cuisine That Feels Like Home
For Black Mountain restaurants serving the best meats for lunch and dinner, Berliner Kindl boasts terrific German cuisine and wine. They are my Hollerbach’s (if you are a Central Floridian, you know).
We’ve celebrated Tom’s birthday here, which says it all. Sit in what feels like your grandma’s kitchen. Our go-tos include the schnitzel and German sausages, especially those brats. I’ll never turn down potato pancakes.
For lighter options, select from schnitzel sandwiches, a BLT, grilled cheese, or a German-style hamburger. Don’t forget traditional sides like red cabbage and potato salad. Find reasonable prices and great service at this kitschy gem. Berliner Kindl is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Berliner Kindl German Restaurant | 121 Broadway Ave, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Trailhead Restaurant & Bar – Where The Locals Go For Burgers & Grub
Trailhead Restaurant & Bar is family-friendly and the perfect blend of dive bar vibes with local craft beer, ideal for post-hike lunches or dinners with unbeatable prices and generous portions.
The menu features sandwiches, salads, tacos, and dinner entrees named after Western North Carolina’s stunning hikes and waterfalls. A serious contender for the top burgers near Asheville, visit during non-peak times for a more relaxed experience. Trailhead Restaurant is open 7 days a week.
Trailhead Restaurant & Bar | 207 W State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711
The Pure And Proper – Cozy All Day Eatery Perfect For Date Night
Who knew that dining in a former gas station could be so romantic? The Pure and Proper is one of the best restaurants in Black Mountain for date night. Tom and I love sitting in the cozy ‘lil wine cellar-like room (downstairs), but they also have an outdoor patio and a gorgeous dining room.
As an all-day eatery (11 AM), start with coffee and Sunday brunch (starts at 10:30 AM). For lunch, select from soups, burgers, or sandwiches. For dinner, we enjoy their menu items like beef tartare and flat-iron steaks paired with grilled asparagus and seasonal salads.
Did we mention the craft cocktails and terrific wine list? The Pure & Proper is closed on Mondays. Discover even more romantic restaurants around Asheville.
The Pure and Proper | 114 E State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Foothills Grange – “Comfort Food With A Conscience” From A Community Staple
Nothing beats those local Foothills’ meats, 24+ years (since 2002) and going strong. A local staple of the Downtown Black Mountain restaurant scene, Foothills Grange is a terrific place to bring the entire family, including Fido. We love their massive outdoor patio with covered seating, perfect on a gorgeous day.
Along with top-notch, seasonal craft cocktails and local beer, enjoy sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and salads. I’d kick off spring (or celebrate fall) in Western North Carolina here. Foothills Grange is open 7 days a week.
P.S. They also opened Hell or High Water, a restaurant serving seasonal ingredients with a rooftop bar, which our Black Mountain friends rave about. Of course, you know them from Foothills Butcher Shop, too.
Foothills Grange | 120 Broadway Ave, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Thai Basil – Your Go-To For Thai Cuisine & Sushi That You’ll Crave
From the owners of Suwana’s in Asheville, Thai Basil brings that same large selection of Asian cuisine and authenticity to Downtown Black Mountain.
Tom and I love coming here for Thai noodles, including Pad See Ew, along with curries and some of the freshest sushi in the area. Think anything from chicken satay and Thai chicken wings to fried rice and noodle soup.
It’s the kind of on-the-edge neighborhood Thai spot that’s easy to overlook but impossible not to crave once you’ve eaten here. Thai Basil is closed on Mondays.
Thai Basil | 227 W State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711
More Black Mountain Restaurants To Add To Your Foodie Bucket List
Just a few more spots that our Uncorked Asheville Travelers especially enjoy & recommend:
- Blue Ridge Biscuit Company – The Biscuit Head of Black Mountain, plus waffles, oats, and granola
- Sake-Sushi – Sushi and Japanese in Cheshire Village
- Veranda Cafe – Sandwiches, salads, and wraps with a kids’ menu
- Black Mountain Bistro – Locally owned bistro with Southern fare
- My Father’s Pizza & Pasta – A local favorite for specialty pizza, calzones, subs, and pasta
- Que Sera Restaurant and The Oyster Bar – Oysters, fish, and meat entrees
- Open Oven Cafe – Brunch and bakery with breakfast bowls, eggs, and sandwiches
Cafes, Coffee, & Sweets In Black Mountain
Black Mountain’s coffee and dessert scene is just as charming as its restaurants.
☕️ The Dripolator Coffeehouse (221 West State Street) is our most-frequented stop in town, and we pop in nearly every time we’re here. Grab a latte or London fog alongside pastries and smoothies with gluten-free and non-dairy options. Their Facebook page is as entertaining as the coffee is good.
🍩 Dough House (601 West State Street, Suite 3) is a rare find: We love their made-to-order vegan and gluten-free donuts that taste incredible. Tom and I buy by the dozen and freeze the extras. They also serve coffee.
☕️ Dynamite Roasting Coffee Bar (3198 US-70) sits just outside of Downtown and is worth the short detour. We always leave with a bag (or 6) of beans and an iced coffee.
🧁 Hey Hey Cupcake (102 West State Street) is a sweet little sister-run shop with rotating seasonal flavors alongside classics like Old School Birthday and Chocolate. Ask about gluten-free and dairy-free frosting options.
🍦 The Hop Ice Cream Cafe (114 Cherry Street) needs no introduction if you’ve spent any time in Asheville. The Black Mountain location is tiny but just as worthy. Grab a vegan or dairy scoop.
🍫 Kilwins (116 West State Street) is your classic confectionery stop for housemade fudge, truffles, coconut clusters, and ice cream. This is a great pick if you’re wandering Downtown with kids.
☕️ Peri Social House (406 West State Street) is not only NC’s smallest boutique hotel: Order some of my favorite seasonal coffee drinks along with Prosecco on tap. ✨ Be sure to read our Black Mountain top things to do guide, which takes you on a tour of this beautiful property. ✨
Add Black Mountain Dining To Your Western North Carolina Bucket List
Black Mountain’s restaurant scene is one of Western North Carolina’s best-kept secrets, and after years of eating our way through town, Tom and I (and our stomachs) show no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re settling in for a romantic dinner at The Pure and Proper, grabbing Cuban brunch at Cousins, or devouring South African cuisine at The Bush Farmhouse, every meal here leaves you satisfied and full of Blue Ridge Mountain love. The best part? You’re just 25 minutes from Asheville, which means a great day trip is always within reach.
After eating, stroll Lake Tomahawk, shop Downtown Black Mountain’s indie stores, and grab a Dripolator latte for the road. Then, explore even more of our favorite mountain towns: if you love Black Mountain, try Blowing Rock and Banner Elk.
Do you have a favorite Black Mountain restaurant we missed? Drop it in the comments! We’re always looking for an excuse to go back. 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
Ole’s Guacamoles is a family business devastated by Helene. Ole didn’t miss a beat, opening a temporary location on US 70 while he rebuilt his main restaurant where you can eat creekside. His mole poblano is among the best ever. Fresh guac made tableside. Great value!
I didn’t realize they opened a Black Mountain location. Thanks so much for the information. We will have to go and show our support ASAP. The devastation around Asheville’s Tunnel Road was (and still is) heartbreaking. Tom and I recently drove over that restored bridge. We had been going to La Rumba via the back/all the way around route (from the north side of the city) for a long time. Everyone’s comeback story and determination make me so proud and happy for them. What unprecedented times. Thanks again for the information and kind restaurant review. We appreciate it.
Che Fai food truck next to Old Town District. Natty is a fabulous chef and makes wonderful Italian dishes. It’s very, very high on my list!
Oh my goodness! I did not know about this food truck. I just looked up the menu. I will have to go ASAP. Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate it.
Love Che Fai and Natty definitely knows his way around a kitchen. Also open later than any restaurant in BM.
I’m so glad that everyone has been pointing out this Italian food truck; they weren’t on our radar (gah!), but I’ll definitely be visiting now. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ll drop Che Fai’s website link here for our readers, as Tom and I make our way back to Black Mountain to visit all of these great 2026 recs to showcase: https://chefaiblackmountain.com/. I love how many awesome restaurants, food trucks, and cafes Black Mountain has.
Put Recess Coffee on your list to try next. Adorable spot, great coffee, to die for pastries. Plus owner’s story is really sweet.
Oh my gosh, yes; thanks Nadine! I was literally updating this article thinking, what coffee shop did my friend tell me to dip into?! It was Recess. We haven’t been yet, but we will go ASAP. You know I love a good pastry. 💙
I love all the recommendations. One you missed though… Blue Ridge Biscuit. The best breakfast sandwich i’ve had in recent memory. The cathead biscuits are large enough that you’ll want to skip lunch. Delicious and they serve Dynamite roasters to make great even greater!
Hey Carl, We have Blue Ridge Biscuit Company on our little “even more restaurants” section (there are so many good ones! Gah!!); thanks so much for sharing your favorite; we really appreciate it – and we love Dynamite Coffee. I feel like it’s nice and strong; just what I need to start my day. Time for a trip to stock up on biscuits and coffee.
I agree! Blue Ridge Biscuit is our favorite & a local ms favorite.
💯. Feed your mountain soul!! Local love, everything made in house. It’s NOT the biscuit Head of Black Mountain, it THE Biscuits of these mountains!! ❤️❤️❤️
This comment made me smile. Thanks for the enthusiasm. I feel like that phrase needs to go on a shirt or some merch now, haha!
I have to get my burger fix at Mac’s in Black Mountain!
Nothing beats a delicious burger! Thanks for sharing.
Ciao Y’all food truck near the Pizza Machine has great fresh made pastas and delicious paninis!
Thanks for the recommendation!
How could you miss My Father’s Pizza they are a favorite for pizza and subs.Locals and visitors both come back again and again.
Thanks for sharing your favorite!
Black mountain bistro. Porch and patio seating. 16 years running family owned. Menu has a little bit for everyone a must try !
Yes! Thank you for sharing which restaurant you love. We and our readers appreciate it.
The Bistro and Louise’s Kitchen are favorites of mine.
Thank you for sharing! We’ll have to try Louise’s Kitchen. It looks super sweet!
@Christine, no one mentioned Red Rocker Inn…it is still there isn’t it? I raised my family in Black Mountain and lived there for almost 30 years. Retired from the school system there. Black Mountain Primary was an awesome place to work. We loved Red Rocker. Hope it’s still there!
Hi Martha, The Red Rocker Inn is still there. My husband and I will have to plan an overnight there soon. Wow, 30 years! I’m so glad you loved living and working in Black Mountain. Thanks so much for sharing.
I like Berliner Kind’l the best authentic German food. The owner is the sweetest lady you can met
Yes! They serve up delicious German food, and their staff is so nice!